This is the time of the year when many people begin to suffer from colds and flu. As temperatures dip and kids are back in school, most of us are exposed to more germs. Fortunately, there are a number of fine, natural Chinese herbs that we can take to fortify our bodies to ward off colds and flu. We also can use these herbs to help to treatment symptoms of these illnesses. The top three Chinese herbs for colds include the following:
#1 Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has many positive properties. It tastes wonderful, smells wonderful, and has strong anti-viral properties that have been observed in Chinese medicine for centuries. Lemon balm can be used in pills to help to fight your cold or flu. Also, you can add some lemon balm powder into a tea. As you drink your hot tea, the lemon balm works its way through your sinus passages and the mucous membranes in your throat. This helps to soothe your sinus passages and to lessen your symptoms.
You also can use lemon balm to reduce your stress level. This can be particularly helpful when you are not feeling well. Note that lemon balm can be used effectively with many herbs to reduce your cold symptoms, such as chamomile and peppermint.
#2 Slippery Elm
The herbal uses for slippery elm are many, and it has been used for 1000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. Slippery elm has excellent mucilage properties, and is wonderful for soothing your inflamed mucous membranes. We recommend that you turn to this herb when you have a sore throat. Actually, you can dust this herbal powder onto your cough drops and you will find that your sore throat will disappear. It also is really useful if you are having diarrhea and an upset stomach with your cold. In powder form, you can mix this herb into your hot tea, or even into your hot cereal.
#3 Echinacea
One of the most well-researched herbs for stopping colds in their tracks is Echinacea. The main claim to fame of this Chinese herb is that it is able to boost your immunity. It has been shown to stimulate the manufacture of white blood cells, which is one of your body’s main defenses against getting a cold. It also helps to boost your interferon production and other substances that fight viruses.
Studies done on Echinacea show that the herb fights flu, and it also fights the growth of microbes when it is put directly on an infected area. Some clinical trials have shown that this herb reduces risk of getting a viral respiratory infection. Also, another clinical trial has shown that taking this herb can reduce your cold symptoms. In fact, if you take a preparation of enchinacea when you first start to feel sick, you can have your cold shortened by as much as 1/3 of its regular duration.
Our Recommendation
Suffering from a bad cold? Try these fine herbal products from Solstice Medicine Company: